Former Ravens & Colts Coach Dies At 84

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Ted Marchibroda, former coach for both the Ravens and the Colts, has died at the age of 84.

Marchibroda was the Ravens' first head coach and coached the team for three seasons before being replaced by Brian Billick.

Marchibroda also coached for the Redskins, Eagles and Lions, among others; he finished his coaching career with the Steelers and Cardinals.

He is survived by his wife, their four children and six grandchildren.

"Ted was a truly awesome individual. From the moment I walked into Baltimore in 1996, he wanted to make us better men before anything else; football was the backstory. He was tough on us, and once you figured out why, you really started to respect him on every level. I had many talks with him. I am proud to say I accepted and still practice things he shared with me, one being: 'Finish what you start, no matter the circumstances.' Ted was a staple in my life. He will be missed, but never forgotten. I, along with many others, will help carry on his legacy," said Ray Lewis.

"Ted Marchibroda was an excellent coach; success followed him wherever he coached. He was one of the most competitive men I've ever encountered. But mostly, Ted was a good man – spiritually intact, kind and full of grace. What an honor to have served with him even for so short a period of time," said David Modell.

"Ted is a founding father of the Ravens. He was a tremendous competitor and a tough man with a gentle soul. In a way, he set the Ravens' path. He wanted players who owned what he called 'a football temperament.' Those are players who love all aspects of the game – the mental part, lifting weights, practice and the physicality. That eventually became what we now call 'Playing Like a Raven.' Ted taught me more about football. He was classy in every way. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ann (his wife) and the Marchibroda family," said Ozzie Newsome.